Media captionEx-European Commission president says availability of jobs is more important

Cutting benefits for new EU migrants would not put people off wanting to move to the UK, a former European Commission president has said.

Jose Manuel Barroso said plans for an “emergency brake” on in-work benefits for migrants was a creative compromise but would not reduce immigration.

He said the EU would be “weaker” if the UK voted to leave in a referendum.

He spoke out as the six founding members of the EU recommitted to building an “ever closer union”.

PM David Cameron wants EU leaders to agree to a draft package of reforms to the UK’s membership this month and then hold a referendum on whether the UK stays in the EU.

Leaders will debate the proposals in Brussels on 18 and 19 February. Mr Cameron requires the approval of all 28 EU members for the package, which includes limiting in-work benefits for migrants for up to four years.

‘No, frankly not’

Speaking to BBC’s Newsnight, Mr Barroso described the UK as “one of the most important shareholders in Europe”.

But the former Portuguese prime minister said: “The way the British look at Europe is frankly different from the way France, or Germany do.

“It is not only Britain that cares about sovereignty, we all want the rights of our country respected,” he added.

He was speaking as the foreign ministers of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands resolved “to continue the process of creating an ever closer union”.

But, reflecting the differing view in the UK, they acknowledged that not every country should have to agree.

Image copyrightAFP

Image caption
David Cameron is seeking persuade the other 27 EU leaders to sign up to the proposals

Are you an EU migrant living in the UK or are you planning to move to the UK for work? Would you be affected by David Cameron’s reform proposals? Share your experiences with us. Email [email protected] with your stories.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: